Atlanta based Pro-continental squad Team Novo Nordisk have been animating races throughout the season with their typically aggressive racing, and their sights are set firmly on more of the same during the squad’s second outing at the Aviva Tour of Britain. Team Novo Nordisk boasts a roster consisting entirely of racers competing at the highest level whilst living with diabetes, and aims to inspire, educate and empower people also affected by the condition.

Coming off some of their best results so far at the USA Pro Challenge in Colorado, where Javier Mejias narrowly missed out on top spot at the flowers & kisses ceremony on stage 6, Team Novo Nordisk are looking forward to again mixing it up against World Tour opposition as the race twists and turns through the now trademark tight and steep terrain of the UK’s premiere UCI event. Alway Riding is delighted have a front row seat with the squad via daily updates from 21 year old French second year pro rider, Charles Planet. Charles has unfinished business with the race after crashing hard on stage 2 during the 2014 edition and being forced to retire due to not being able to pedal after battling on for a further few stages.

"Since finishing the USA Pro Challenge last weekend, I've focused on recovery. For the first four days, I didn't do much but just let my body get over jet lag. Then I did a few good, solid days of training. I'm not exactly sure of my form coming into the race. It's been good since the beginning of August, so I hope that continues. Today, I went out with my teammates and we did a short ride to stretch the legs and get ready for tomorrow. Afterwards, I had a short massage and just took it easy until the team presentation.

Image credits - AP Sports Photography

Looking at the race, I really think Stage 1 will be one of the hardest days. I know that I need to be ready. I haven't picked a specific stage yet, but I am aiming to get into the breakaway at least once. I really enjoy everything about this race, from the organization to the fans. It is all top notch. The race profile suits my style of riding. Now we just have to see how it goes.."

We'll be following and chatting with Charles and the guys throughout the race, so head back soon to see what the next stage had in store for these plucky Atlantans!

Tim Bladon lives in Nottingham. He strongly suspects his chances of a solo victory in Il Lombardia are starting to fade and so seeks to distract people from this fact by writing about cycling instead. Tim has his own blog, Ciclissimo!

Always Riding is delighted to have a front row seat at the Tour of Britain with Team Novo Nordisk via daily updates from 21 year old French second year pro rider, Charles Planet. Today Charles reflects on the return of promising sensations after the demands of the USA Pro Challenge and provides some insight into how the squad combine managing diabetes and race nutrition.. (...)

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Sunday Sept the 12th brought one final roll of the dice for our Aviva Tour of Britain diarist, 21 year old Frenchman Charles Planet. London, as ever, offered up a stunning backdrop in the crisp early autumn light. The flag dropped and the pace went from waves & smiles to the crowd at the start-line to warp-speed in a matter of seconds. (...)

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